Publius

let me be the first to suggest a mike duncan approach rather than a dan carlin theatrics – unless a powerful voice actor or narrator is at play

An old elf who’s mind was muddied in his advanced age recalls and forgets several instances he relates to this. His distant and glossy gaze now looked onto the mercenary encampment and saw in them the austere rangers of old, and the hardness of heart they possessed that won the Wood Elves their freedom long ago. From it, he turned towards the Dominion, and pondered on the few High Elven maxims about the importance of civilization and the rigidness of old Malinor that he managed to recall. Perhaps the civilization was too rigid, as it had long since shattered against the forces of deviance. Squinting, he had tears in his eyes as he grit his teeth, but they soon went away as he became aware of his meal. It soon all faded from his thoughts, the forgetful old elf enjoying the simple pleasures of a roast with his friends.

Septimius looked over the Baltas, outside of the Sarkozic keep where a bridge once reached Vilacz. Styria was not a land of weak people, and he beheld the Margrave’s hold with some tension. Tales of mace-catchers now came with descriptions of broken skulls, and the aging Knight hoped not to return from his ratslaying to bear witness to a new tale being written. Away to Santegia he rode, sending gifts and letters to the Styrian lords as a quiet tribute.

RP) WHAT IS YOUR NAME?: Vamir HOW OLD ARE YOU?: 893 HAVE YOU EXPERIENCE WITH COMBAT?: A few centuries, give or take DO YOU AGREE TO UPHOLD HONOR AND TRADITION?: Aha, no doubt! (OOC) MCNAME: Coupublius DISCORD: Publius#1947

”God preserve Illatia, God preserve the Heartlands” Dusk had loomed over the Heartlander estates of Ardennes, and men in the company of Septimius Bracchus brought food before Summerhall as a commotion came into view. Quickly, these men readied their blades and entered to the sight of dead Illatian folks – one an old time friend of the Bracchi family, Marco d’Montelliano. Beholding his body, the man remained with draped in despair, burying his old friend before his body could be dumped in the Baltas. There was little optimism in the man as he saw clearly now how much progress would be lost upon his people and ideals. Soon the madness that the man witnessed, he read a series of decrees – the Margrave renounced his titles, and the vassals lost heart in his leadership. For all of the Chancellor’s work, nothing would be left to show for it. Looking out towards the Goldfields, Septimius would simply lament. His Illatian brothers become kindred again, and he himself lost the prestige of his position and work. Saddling his horse, he rode to Carolustadt, unsure of his future and that of his people. Passing Adria, he saw a see of disheartened Heartlanders return to Belvitz.

Name: Septimius Bracchus Year of Birth: 1649 Residency: Carolustadt (MC Name: Coupublius)

Larry C. C. prepares a sign, showing phallic images he drew from memory falling into the stinky moat of Summerhall! Though his artistic genius would only be understood by some, his aid to the cause using the extensive education he had gained at Odo’s Art Academy would surely be invaluable.

Septimius remembers often the strength and grit of Konyves, and how by his cunning and resolve, the heartlander revolt of Adria was soundy defeated! He knew how fatal underestimating the Styrians might be...

Hey friendos, been rather bored with the character I have been developing - not that I will get rid of them, but I have put my money on a storyline that requires a build to be completed before I can see much more done with the character. As such, just looking for an opportunity to join an RP community! Discord is Publius#1947 if you wish to chat, feel free to post on here or message me.

To this man, a simple note is written by one Septimius Bracchus. It reads as follows: ”Hail good Adrian, Upon the crossroads I serve the Margrave of Ardennes, Lord Hughes d’Amaury. Room remains in the court for an alchemist, and one learned in issues of Vaeyl captured my interest; as a Knight, I combat them regularly. Seek me should you be interested, I have minae for your time anyhow on a few issues, though the man I serve rules with great esteem. Education unique as yours may warrant your presence in his court as a councillor... Signed, Septimius Bracchus.”

____________________________________________________________________________________ Watercolour painting of a Heartlander Horde flooding the streets of Belcrest, by an Unkown painter 1683 From Aeldin came hope for the Heartlanders left in the lands of Atlas. Gold and green banners were flown from the cloud temple to the Capital of Humanity, Carolustadt. Such a sight it was, dozens of men pouring from roads along the way. Most noteworthy of all that had gathered though was Clan Gromach, the old vassals of d'Amaury. So many had gathered that a stop in the abandoned city of Belcrest became necessary; there, they organized for the rest of their journey as a horde of gifts was created to present to the Emperor, no matter the trying times settling put upon their people. Hughes d’Amaury scratched his chin, too proud to ask for help, but his people did not reserve their bounty. “Good Hughes,” Said Ser Septimius, “Any descendant of Vibius ought to present the Emperor a Stallion, take mine.” At that, he did not even remove his supplies from the saddle, leaving them for the young Lord. At this, Lord Hughes dipped his head, and recognized the respect and humility of the Bracchus. “We must present wealth too - is Lorraine not the land of great harvest and bounty?” At that, John d’Anpalais gambled everything he had of great value; foreign gems and jewelry abound, enough to fill the boxes. Lord Hughes, perhaps naive or simply so pure of perception, saw only the traits he would want of any rich man in his lands - someone who would be so generous with their wealth for Lotharingia's sake. Reserved and smiling upon the man, an older gentleman finally stepped forward, offering two old books. “These are original copies of your ancestors writing - a folk tale and poem. Their meanings were very pro-Imperial, the Emperor would be most pleased to read them, I’m sure.” Lord Hughes read through them, shocked and saddened at having to relinquish the heirlooms - but his respect for what hidden knowledge Pepin de Bar may have had him eager to speak with the man after their debut in court. __________________________________________________ Illatian Courtiers accompanying the Lotharingian band, Painted by Fabius Bracchus 1683 Dramas flooded the the courts of the Emperor as they always did, but the play that was Imperial politics was shook as Hughes arrived accompanied by old and new nobility alike. Lotharingian soldiers had numbered nearly the same as the Imperial troops assigned to protect the Emperor: It was hoped that this display would earn the Heartlanders respect from the courtiers who beheld them. Though winded from the long and hasty march, Lord Hughes d’Amaury and his companions brought before the Emperor their gifts, and after hearing the late Prince-Bishop Jacques’ poem of regret for his acts against Empire, received this good Lord Hughes with the respect of an honoured guest. Quick discourse led to the most clear solution - Lord Hughes, for his monumental display of his people’s exaltation of the Empire and impressive display of power, he would be named the March of Ardennes; he was to prove his worthiness greater than that of his ancestors before he could claim the fabled title of Lorraine. Opposing out of turn though was a man in the back, claiming interest in the land that he wanted respected. Ensuing was a nasty affair - backing up this men were the Adrians, distrustful of those who would embrace the legacy of the Archduke that laid waste to their people generations ago. Out of order was the man who pressed his claim, ignoring all etiquette, and the Duke of Adria withdrew his support to not earn any ire. Ser Septimius, remaining late into the proceedings, brought before the Emperor two heads for each of the blackmarked men who had been charged with him for the riot he led. On the issue of his Barony and Adria though, he abdicated in favour of his brother - he wished to keep his family safe from any grudges and wished to bestow a token of good faith upon the Duke of Adria and his administration. Beholding so many slain Vaeyl, he welcomed the story of the adventure. Without reservation, the man recounted the quest, moved even to make wild motions in excitement! Emperor Aurelius, amused with the story, suggested he attend court the following day. Their banishment lifted, he and Dario sought Belcrest to accompany their new shield brothers. Upon Atlas now, the people were beholden once again to the Green and Gold of d’Amaury. From thence on, the Empire of man could count on a strong and unified heartlands once again.

Septimius takes great pride in the unification of the Heartlander peoples!

A savvy Illatian merchant offers scented candle options!

Welcome Dr. Fong, it is I, Virathus Krupp.

(Good on you for going out with grace. +1)

On the 13th of Owyn’s Light 1682, the sun shone upon the Bracchi brothers as they left the city of Carolustadt. Septimius beamed with a broad smile over the tumultuous day’s conclusion, whilst his brother Claudius was ever dour… Ducal elections in Adria, 1682 Snow still fell during the dawn and dusk of the early spring days in Adria. Tension between the paranoid electors was palpable, and between the smallfolk and the electors, even moreso. Lord Septimius weaved his way through the amassing Belvitzi citizens and Ilatian farmers, each whispering their solidarity with the esteemed Baron. Bracchus blue could be seen bore by folks all over town, contrasting the lonely red Adrian flags that arose for the occasion. Little preceded what became a struggle that summarized the political crisis that was to play out; Dario Valic, son of the late Vladan Valic, intercepted Konyves Ivanovich as he moved against the stubborn Septimius, who himself insisted upon detailing the powers of the Duma before holding one. Violence quickly spiraled out of control, and despite even the presence of Imperial agents, the courtyard was soon filled with supporters of Septimius. Adrian bannermen surround a Bracchus levyman. Masses found themselves butchered in waves, crashing against Vilacz. It seemed the entirety of Belvitz was butchered and dumped into the Baltas. No matter how outnumbered Josip’s forces were, the direction of Konyves ensured the day was won. Even the Magistrate of Adria fell fighting alongside the masses, Sofia Valerii cut down charging with the horde of smallfolk. Further misfortune befell the cause, as from the keep stepped the Carolustadt company that had arrived to spectate. No matter how just his stand was, he beheld the Crown Prince Augustus and an accompanying minister; they had raised their swords in defence of the other electors, and so to have fought said electors could be cast as treason upon Septimius. Bound and beaten, the man would be beholden to the Imperial Courts. An artistic depiction of Carolustadt court. Hours passed as the Adrian electors raged on, sending witness after witness in an attempt to have Septimius hung for his acts against them. Representing the Baron, only a few survivors remained - but amongst those that vouched for him was good Dario Valic, who cited a credible conspiracy against the Baron of Aesculus. More critical was the Prince Alexander Frederick’s defence of Septimius based off of what he had witnessed. Soon, it became unclear whether treason had been committed - but in violation of his oaths as a Knight, Septimius was blackmarked, and tasked to head south to collect the heads of two Vaeyl captains. Though dishonoured and his titles stripped for the time being, Septimius almost wept with relief before the court as his verdict was announced. His brother though stood horrified though, as he was given a 2000 minae fine, and was beaten badly for an accusation of bribery. Bannermen near the gates of Carolustadt. “Good Claudius, whence I return from the South, that damn fool will be smashed, beaten - I’ll use his hamstring for my bow, ha!” “What a waste of breath it was to defend you today.” He would say to the chuckling Septimius, quickly souring the mood. “But I am your brother, why would you-” “You are a fool Septimius, and if anyone just heard you say that, you would be hung off the walls of Carolustadt so that anyone that enters might see what a joke you are. Do not damn yourself when you are not even out of the gates.” Offering a wary smile, Septimius would try to pat his brother’s shoulder in a friendly Ilatian gesture, but Claudius swatted away the hand and struck the man quickly in his fury, almost losing balance as he clutched his cane. “Do not touch me you moron, do not even look at me. You risked everything - for what? Who cares if you were attacked if it means treason to get your revenge? Our house words are ‘Strength through Service’ - did you drink that from your memory?” Never had Septimius received such a verbal scathing from his brother, standing dumbfounded as they looked to one another in silence. “This is what I get I suppose, backing up a drunkard. Were you drunk walking into the Sarkozic keep as well, you chimp? Or are you actually mentally deficient?” Flush with embarrassment and now true regret, Septimius silently departed from his brother as he was berated from behind. Somber silence loomed over the man, his stresses far greater as he took into account the lives that had been lost, and the estrangement of his brother. Before him now was a long and arduous ride to the Yatl Wastes. It would be a while before he mustered up the courage to write home as he reflected on his folly...